Boxwood Blight
Recently, a devastating exotic fungal disease has been identified in boxwood in eight states and Canada. To date, its presence has not to be confirmed in Michigan.
The experts are working to ascertain the extent of the disease’s spread and develop management strategies. We at Fraleighs are concerned with this disease, especially since boxwood has become a staple deer-resistant evergreen element in the last decade. We will continue to monitor developments and will post any preventative measures that are presented.
In the mean time, following recommended procedures, we are limiting our incoming boxwood stock to plants grown by a trusted supplier here within Washtenaw County. She has had all of her plants growing on site for many months now, and the liners she grows her stock from are all produced by Michigan propagators.
Likewise, we are expanding our plant palette to allow for more deer-safe evergreen alternatives. We have dabbled in other options in the past, and while none of the alternatives have been as flexible as boxwood, several now merit a place in our designs. Come see us this spring to meet some goodies such as Cephalotaxus and Ilex glabra ‘Nordic’.
Links for more info on the boxwood crud:
Winter mulching
November is a great time to remulch your gardens. Firstly, it will provide a protective ‘blanket’ for your plants’ root systems, limiting stressful temperature swings in the soil. Secondly, the recent frosts have left most perennials in a fully dormant state, and they are ready to be cut back — this makes the actual spreading of mulch that much more efficient. Thirdly, don’t we all have enough to do in the spring already without worrying about mulching? We can get one thing checked off the list early, and the plants will benefit from the mulch all winter long. Refer to the ‘Mulch’ tab in the navigation bar above to learn more.
It’s HollyTone Time!
Remember, Fraleighs recommends an application of HollyTone fertilizer twice annually to maintain and enhance your gardens and landscapes. Halloween and April Fool’s Day are the approximate dates we set to help folks to remember to feed their plants. HollyTone is a great organic low-analysis (4-3-4) acidifying fertilizer well suited to our alkaline soil types. The HollyTone formulation also contains beneficial organisms — helper microbes — that complement and enhance healthy root systems. Perennials, shrubs, ornamental grasses, evergreens, and trees can all benefit from a twice-annual application. Stop by today — our staff would be glad to help you calculate how much you need, explain the simple application process, or arrange for our crews to make the application for you.
Click here to learn more about the product.
Fall Bulbs: Think Spring!
The ideal season for planting bulbs is upon us, and Fraleighs is once again glad to offer our fall bulb consultation and installation services. We’d be glad to help you choose the right bulbs for your gardens — we have advice for folks dealing with deer browse, heavy soils, and odd spaces. We can either order bulbs for you to plant, or we can put you on our schedule for professional layout and installation of your bulbs. Call, email, or stop by today to learn more!
8600 Jackson Road, Dexter, MI 48130, 734-426-5067 |
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